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Ask The Expert: Top 7 Breakfast Spots in NYC

Ask The Expert: Top 7 Breakfast Spots in NYC By Farah Lopez on 07/23/2018, updated on 07/23/2018

We asked Robert Rozko, concierge at the Loews Regency Hotel, what top breakfast spots you should visit while in NYC.

Breakfast isn't called the most important meal of the day for nothing. The city’s eateries are always packed with hungry patrons ready to enjoy this leisurely meal before taking on the sights. In his time as a concierge at the Loews Regency New York, Robert Rozko has directed many a visitor on the best places to enjoy this popular pastime. Here, he recommends his top seven breakfast spots in NYC.

The Regency Bar & GrillThe Regency Bar & Grill, Loews Regency New York Hotel’s signature restaurant located on Park Ave. and home of the famed “Power Breakfast,” offers approachable and ingredient-forward dishes. Capturing the classic style of a refined bar and grill, the team creates food of the highest quality, simply prepared and executed perfectly. Under the direction of Executive Chef Catherine Medrano, the restaurant works with regional, organic farms and supporting ecological fishing practices. Serving my favorite fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar on Amy’s Bread roll knows as Regency Breakfast Sandwich also healthy choice egg white Frittata with broccoli, carrots and peppers. With perennial and recognizable ingredients, guests who are looking for sustainable culinary options can enjoy quality food time and time again. Guests can also have access to uniquely homegrown products without leaving the property through a dedicated Flavor New York by Loews Hotels menu.

Le MercerieThis SoHo restaurant is located inside the Roman and Williams Guild store, where every single thing from the plates to the tables are for sale. It is like eating breakfast in the perfect French-rustic kitchen. I imagine this is the type of place Julia Child would open. Chef Marie-Aude Rose—who used to cook at the acclaimed Paris restaurant “Spring,”—brings a very Parisian sensibility to her menu. My personal favorite is the Ham-and-Egg Crepe and with a side of butter-and-jam tartine. The café stays open all day serving coffee and cocktails.

Norma’sBeautiful, delicious, glorious food! Norma’s is an iconic New York City restaurant. One of my favorites is the Banana Macadamia Nut Flapjacks with Banana Brown Sugar Butter—you can’t find that anywhere else. Also quite notable, are Norma’s Super Blueberry Pancakes with Devonshire Cream, and the Red Raspberry Risotto Oatmeal. Trust me—you will not leave disappointed.

The River CafeOn the East River, located under the Brooklyn Bridge, this restaurant has a class breakfast menu paired with one of the most beautiful views. The eye-opener menu features choices like smoked salmon Benedict or avocado toast with poached eggs. You can stay for as long as you want, relaxing away from the hustle of the city in a celebratory setting, ordering cocktails or a glass of wine.

The Whitby BarThis new spot is a favorite of mine with great food and a great location—steps from iconic Fifth Avenue shops, within walking distance to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), and Central Park. The menu is modern American, with a frequently changing menu revolving around seasonal ingredients. The space is uniquely fun and eclectic, and if you go on Sunday you can opt to catch a movie in the screening room afterward.

Sadelle'sThe bakery and restaurant from Major Food Group is located in the heart of SOHO. The bakery specializes in one of New York's greatest food traditions—the bagel. I highly recommend the salmon tower (comes with cream cheese, bagels, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and of course salmon).

Five LeavesLocated in Greenpoint Brooklyn, the restaurant feels both handmade and industrial. It’s a really small neighborhood spot open daily from 8 am with breakfast served until the afternoon. I highly recommended the Moroccan Scramble morgues sausage, scrambled eggs w/ spiced chickpeas, crushed avocado & grilled sourdough. This is my go-to when I want good food, away from the bustle of the city.

Farah Lopez

About the author

Farah Lopez is the Marketing Editor and a French-Canadian transplant living in SoBro (South Bronx). Follow her food-o...